โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field serves as Oregon's state capital airport covering 751 acres at 213 feet elevation, operating two asphalt runways (5,811-foot runway 13/31 with ILS and 5,146-foot runway 16/34) plus helipad H1, with control tower, restaurant, and general aviation center supporting limited flight training. Recently renamed from Salem Municipal Airport in June 2024 to highlight its Willamette Valley AVA location for tourism promotion, the facility experienced the return of commercial service in October 2023 through Avelo Airlines offering twice-weekly Boeing 737 flights to Las Vegas and Hollywood-Burbank serving the Los Angeles market.
Terminal facilities comprise a compact terminal with basic waiting areas and amenities, though travelers are advised to handle major dining or banking needs in downtown Salem just two miles away. The facility supports general aviation operations alongside Avelo's commercial service, with ground transportation including Cherriots Line 04 bus hourly connections to downtown Salem transit center, local taxi companies like Amanda's Taxi and Affordable Taxi, plus active Uber and Lyft services.
Operational characteristics focus on commercial passenger service complemented by general aviation activities, corporate flights, flight training operations, and emergency services, while the airport's proximity to downtown Salem and state capitol buildings makes it an attractive alternative to Portland International Airport for regional travelers. The facility maintains necessary safety and operational standards with control tower operations and ILS approach capabilities.
Strategic importance encompasses serving Oregon's state capital with renewed commercial aviation connectivity after 15 years without scheduled airline service, providing stress-free alternatives to Portland's larger hub for regional travelers, and supporting the greater Willamette Valley's tourism and business aviation needs while maintaining vital general aviation services for emergency response and regional connectivity throughout Oregon's mid-valley communities.
๐ Connection Tips
Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, also known as McNary Field (SLE), is the primary commercial airport for Oregon's state capital and the heart of the Willamette Valley. The fare is a standard $1.60. For a more direct transfer, local taxi companies like Amandaโs Taxi and Affordable Taxi are the primary on-call options; a ride to downtown Salem typically costs between $10 and $15 and takes about 10 minutes. The airport's location just off Mission Street makes it easily accessible by car, with on-site parking located directly across from the terminal entrance. The bus stop is located at the intersection of State Street and Airport Road, roughly a 5-to-10-minute walk from the terminal.
Facilities include a small waiting area and basic amenities, but travelers are advised to handle major dining or banking needs in downtown Salem. For budget travelers, the Cherriots Line 04 bus provides an hourly connection between the airport area and the downtown Salem transit center. The terminal at SLE is compact and exceptionally easy to navigate, allowing passengers to arrive just 60 to 90 minutes before their scheduled departure. Ground transportation from SLE is convenient and well-organized.
For those needing to connect to Portland or other parts of the state, Groome Transportation offers a dedicated shuttle service, while the Amtrak Cascades line provides scenic rail links from the Salem station located just a few miles away. Since the return of scheduled commercial service via Avelo Airlines, the airport has become a popular and stress-free alternative to Portland International (PDX) for regional travelers. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also active in Salem and provide reliable transfers to and from the airfield.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
โ Back to Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field